The Games You Know You Have to Haveby Diresim XboxZone staff member, Diresim, is a hardcore gamer prepared to go boldly where no gamer has gone before to bring you the most comprehensive Xbox and Xbox 360 intel. Developed by Microsoft Game Studios, the game that took E3 2005 by storm is finally nearing completion. Described by lead designer CliffyB (of Unreal fame) as a blend of third person shooter and survival horror game, Gears of War looks set to redefine video game immersion. State of the art graphics utilizing the Unreal Engine and an epic science fiction storyline complement some fresh and exciting gameplay mechanics, emphasizing teamwork above all else. Full Xbox Live co-operative play and some innovate multiplayer modes could propel this one into the stratosphere, and into Game of the Year calculations. It’s already being dubbed The Halo Killer.
Spurred on by a faultless record (past hits including the Baldur’s Gate series, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and Jade Empire) Bioware have decided to go all out with their first Xbox 360 creation. A real time, squad based RPG set in an original universe (that’s right, universe), Mass Effect looks set to offer the most expansive and open-ended console experience of all time. Explore alien worlds within a spectacular vision of the future, free from linearity, but replete with the kind of epic storyline only Bioware can fashion.
Developed by Volition, Saint’s Row has been in development for a few years now, suffering a number of delays. However, now nearing its August release, it is looking nothing short of excellent, and far from the Grand Theft Auto clone some were willing to label it. The first ‘open world game’ on the Xbox 360, Saint's Row sees you create and develop a unique character in the offline game, guiding him on his quest to make his gang the number one force in the town of Stillwater. Bling him up, pimp him out and give him a ride, then take him online in a number of modes based around both co-operative and adversarial play. Start your own gang, recruit new members, unleash hell.
Building on the success of last years’ Xbox release, Forza Motorsport, the sequel is aiming for new heights in terms of graphical detail, realistic physics, and online gameplay. Replete with Forza Motorsport TV (allowing you to watch the world’s best race at any time), the November release will allow gamers to hop in over 300 cars, from over 50 leading manufacturers, and duke it out on over 60 tracks, including real-world locations such as Laguna Seca and Silverstone. This is no arcade racing game either. A state of the art racing simulation, Forza Motorsport 2 is being created by racers, for racers, and we can’t wait.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent The guys at Ubisoft have decided to up the ante when it comes to the single player experience for this latest installment in the award winning Splinter Cell series. Sam Fisher, once again voiced superbly by Michael Ironside, has become a double agent, and must repeatedly juggle dual objectives in order to succeed. Those of the NSA, and those of the terrorists. Are you willing to kill innocent people to keep your cover intact? Edge of your seat stealth action is complemented by multiple paths and endings, and a completely revamped HUD and stealth detection system. The one of a kind multiplayer experience has been boosted also with the inclusion of three versus three battles and a whole host of new and revamped gadgets. Throw in some next gen, high def goodness and this one looks set to be huge.
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